Lion Pride Riddim Reloaded (2018) – Upsetta Records X Flow Production

A warm one-drop with a little digital shimmer runs through Lion Pride Riddim Reloaded, the kind of groove that leaves room for the singers to lean in and keep it rootsy without getting sleepy. Upsetta Records and Flow Production line up Bugle’s “Appreciation, ” Tanya Stephens’ “Set A Place, ” and the Ikaya and Busy Signal duet “My Lovin, ” which is probably the sharpest pairing here; Busy Signal was already back for his third straight Upsetta production, and you can hear why they kept calling him. There’s a nice push and pull between the more conscious cuts and the sweeter lovers’ angle, while Alexx A-Game’s “Go Harda” adds a fresher edge to the set. Seven songs keep it tight, and the whole thing feels like a small but careful revival of the original Lion Pride idea.